Category Archives: Kitchen Ideas

There is no denying the beauty of natural wood, and wood countertops can bring a warm, rich feel to the kitchen. And with such a large selection of species, wood can adapt to a varity of styles and color palettes. The main concerns we hear from clients are related to durability and maintenance, many of which depend on how you choose to finish your top. While there is no “right or wrong” answer, it’s important to educate yourself about the options so that you can decide what’s best for you.

Three common finishes for residential wood tops are mineral oil, varnish, and Waterlox®. Mineral oil is applied to the wood top prior to installation, and then you as the homeowner will continue to apply periodic coats to the countertop once it’s installed. Mineral oil is food safe and cost-effective, but does require routine maintenance. Mild scratches or burns can be removed with sand paper, and if substantial damage occurs, the entire top can be rebuffed and refinished. The varnish finish is similar to what’s applied to cabinetry or furniture, and takes the responsibility off you for maintaining the top. You simply clean with a soft cloth and try to avoid repeated moisture. The varnish finish is an additional cost, and major damage will usually require professional help. Waterlox® penetrates the wood fibers and acts as a top coat to protect the wood. This finish will be applied prior to install, and future coats (the manufacturer recommends once or twice a year) can be applied by the homeowner, although it is not as user-friendly of a process as the mineral oil. Waterlox® has a brighter sheen than the other choices and can alter/tint certain wood colors.

Last week we had the opportunity to attend KBIS- the annual kitchen and bath industry showcase. This year’s show was held in Chicago, and McCormick Place was bursting with amazing booths full of the latest and greatest products. Trends we observed….lots of crystal and glass (faucets and tub fillers, cabinet knobs, cabinet door inserts), black accents, much more copper than we expected (sinks, hoods, etc.), and of course, facinating ways to incorporate technology into kitchen and bath spaces. After scoping out the show, we also visited the Merchandise Mart, where we saw beautiful cabinetry vignettes as well as very cleverly disguised Subzero refrigerators.

We are excited to pick up a few additional product lines after seeing them at the show, and can’t wait to apply some of what we learned and saw. Enjoy a few of our pics below!